Bagarius yarrelli

(Sykes, 1839)

Vernacular names
English : Goonch
French : Goonch

Classification
Class : Teleostei
Order : Siluriformes
Family : Sisoridae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Huge catfish species growing to at least 2 meters in length. Very thick barbels with thick base. Pointed dorsal fin and caudal fin tips. Coloration from grey to beige with black speckles and dark saddles on back and often darker head.

Range and habitat
This species occurs in South East Asia, in most big rivers drainages from India (Indus and Ganges) to south China, south to Indonesia. Only on the bottoms of big rivers, often amongst boulders.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : VULNERABLE (as B. bagarius)
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is probably a species complex and each separate population is under intense hunting pressure. Re-assessment is necessary.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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